Atiku, speaking through his spokesman, Paul Ibe, on Tuesday, accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of weakening opposition parties and shrinking democratic space, warning that the trend could result in a de facto one-party state. He also alleged that Nigerians have suffered nearly three years of economic hardship and policies that undermine democratic values.
Reacting on Thursday, Lagos State APC spokesman Seye Oladejo said the claims were ironic, arguing that democratic institutions remain functional under the Tinubu administration.
“Nigeria’s democracy is not under threat; what is under threat is the opposition’s fading relevance,” Oladejo said in a statement. “Since May 29, 2023, democratic institutions have functioned as designed.”
He said elections have been conducted, courts have resolved disputes, the legislature has exercised oversight, and citizens continue to enjoy constitutionally guaranteed freedoms. According to him, the opposition has protested, spoken out and pursued litigation freely, which he said contradicts claims of democratic decline.
Oladejo also criticised Atiku’s African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the coalition as fragile and driven primarily by presidential ambition rather than ideology.
He argued that internal contradictions within the ADC, rather than actions by the ruling party, account for what he called growing desperation among its leaders ahead of future elections.
“Winning and losing are integral to democracy. It does not collapse because personal ambitions are frustrated,” Oladejo said, adding that no political organisation “built on unchecked ambition” can endure.
He maintained that Nigeria’s democracy remains resilient under President Tinubu, stressing that ongoing reforms are rooted in constitutional principles, the rule of law and democratic accountability.
Oladejo urged Atiku and his allies to “confront reality honestly,” insisting that Nigeria’s democratic system is not collapsing and that citizens have moved on from what he described as fear-driven opposition politics.
